Masha Update

"We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders He has done" Psalm 78:4

This verse has come to mind over and over again the last few weeks. I know it may seem a bit strange, but the Lord has really laid it on my heart in recent weeks how important it is to share with our kids all the things He is doing in our lives. I know for me, I try to be open and honest, and share with my friends and family what God is doing in my life, but so often I don't think to share with my kids. The truth is, God has done tremendously huge things in and through my life, and the people I should be sharing these things with most are my kids. I want them to grow up knowing that their parents serve a God who sees them, hears them, and truly does answer prayers. I want to model them for them a faith that is so strong in my Savior, that when I talk to God, He answers! Maybe not in the ways I hope, but always in a way that is better than what I could have imagined. 

1 John 5:14-15 says, " This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him". It is important to note that this verse does not indicate that we have a free for all and can ask God for whatever we want, like to win the lottery, and he will give it to us just because we asked! The key to this verse is the condition of our hearts. If we are in fellowship with Christ, and we are growing in our relationship, then our requests will align with his will for us. If our hearts are in tune to God, then our requests will be heard! 

7 weeks ago today, we announced our plans to bring Masha over on a student visa. We didn't know how it would all come together, and the thought of raising just over $30,000 in a few short months seemed almost too daunting to think about. But, we knew God was leading us to give Masha this incredible opportunity of family and education, and so we stepped out in faith, believing that the Lord would provide every need. 2 weeks ago, in my last post, I mentioned that we needed to raise $24,000+ before she was set to arrive in September. The following day, I received a message by some friends of ours. These friends said that they had been praying about how they could support our efforts to bring Masha here, and that God had impressed upon their hearts to give $15,000!!! I cannot begin to tell you how excited and humbled we were to receive such a generous gift. These friends were delighted to be a part of Masha's story, and told us that this money was God's and they were simply stewards of what He had given them. What an awesome testimony of being obedient to God's will for your life. 

This is just one example of many that Ryan and I have experienced these past few weeks. From donations of $25-$15,000 we are beyond thankful for each and every person that has come alongside us, to provide Masha with a chance at a better future! We know each donation, no matter the amount, came from a place of love, support, encouragement, and prayerful consideration. There is not one donation that trumps another, they all are a part of God's huge story for Masha. Today, we have $6,800 left to raise in order to have Masha's first year in America fully funded. That means, that thanks to many of you, we have raised just over $23,000 in 7 short weeks! All the glory goes to God. I will be the very first to say that this has absolutely nothing to do with me, and every bit to do with God's awesome mercy and love for a sweet 18 year old orphan that He wants to bless with a secure future. Every one of you who have been praying for her, and who have donated, are just as much a part of her story as we are. What an awesome display of God working through His people has this whole process been for Ryan and me. 

2 days after we received the message that our friends wanted to donate $15,000, we got a message from the non profit that is assisting us with the student visa process stating that due to another case being pushed back to December, they had extra time to devote to Masha, and her target arrival could be moved up to July from September!!! We were thrilled! We still owed the non profit $10,000 in fees, and thanks to the donation we received, we were able to say yes! Let's get her here sooner!! So last week, we wrote a check to $10,000 to the non profit ( huge plug for Ukraine Student Hope Project...they do an AMAZING job of helping Ukrainian orphans obtain student visas!). 

The remaining funds needed will go directly to her 1st year of English Language Institute tuition and associated fees...which totals approximately $14,000. Would you prayerfully consider making a donation to help knock out the remaining $6,800 we have left to raise?  No amount is too small!! We pray that God would bless each of you abundantly for your love and support of our sweet Masha!!

To make a tax deductible donation, click here or mail checks to:

1U Project

c/o Wendy Farrell

2625 S Forrest Heights Ave

Springfield, MO 65809